5 reasons we can’t get enough of winter!

As December has ticked into January and memories of Christmas and New Year have faded, winter has begun to take hold across England and Wales. Don’t let that get your spirits down, though! There’s plenty to look forward to and enjoy during the colder months.

A wintry walk on a cold frosty morning:

It may be an obvious choice, but it’s obvious for a reason: you just can’t beat it! There really are few more satisfying sensations than feeling a chill on your cheeks as you venture out into the fresh air on a bracing Sunday morning. Whether you enjoy a stroll around a city park, an amble along the beach or prefer something a little more challenging such as a mountain trail, it’s the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs and set yourself up for a stress-free Sunday. Luckily, our vast network of hostels allows you to base yourself amongst some of the very best walking territory England and Wales has to offer! From Snowdonia to the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, wherever you want to wander, we’ve got you covered so you can rest up and head out early!

Wildlife:

While for many animals to whom Britain is home winter is a time for hibernation and burrowing away to stave off the cold weather, for others it is a time when Britain offers a haven away from the freezing temperatures of Northern Europe. Redwings, certain types of swan, including the Bewick’s Swan, and other birds such as the Fieldfare all make Britain their home over the colder months, particularly in wetland and coastal areas. Be sure to keep your eyes open and your binoculars close to hand throughout the winter months – you never know what you might encounter!

Snow:

Yes, it might cause travel disruption and prevent you from getting from A to B in your usual manner, but there a few things more beautiful than a landscape covered with a substantial helping of snow. We have hostels in some of the most pictureqsue and remote parts of the country, meaning there are some truly stunning views to be enjoyed when the white stuff descends! We’ve already enjoyed a fair dusting in many parts of England and Wales this winter, including in Snowdonia, where you can see plenty of snowy images of YHA Pen-Y-Pass.

Cosy fires/lounges:

Sometimes, a chilly and miserable day gives you the perfect excuse to be lazy and enjoy the comfort and warmth of the indoors. A cold morning walk is all well and good, but come the afternoon, you’ll want nothing more than to enjoy a restful stint in front of a roaring fire. Plenty of our hostels are fortunate to boast living rooms that will do just the trick, including YHA South Downs on the south coast, YHA Wasdale Hall in the Lakes and YHA Hartington in the heart of the Peak National Park. So, put your weary feet up, grab a coffee or a good novel and while away an hour two!

Warm clothing:

If the weather’s cold, you’re going to have to wrap up warm to beat the elements! There’s something great about buying new warm clothing, whether it be a new down jacket, a cosy fleece or something a little more technical! With YHA membership, you’re able to take advantage of brilliant discounts at some of the UK’s top outdoor retailers, who’ve got plenty of options to keep you warm this winter. Partnerships with Go Outdoors and Cotswold Outdoor mean that our members can make great savings when buying their winter coats and woolly socks!